vital statistics

American  

plural noun

1. statistics concerning human life or the conditions affecting human life and the maintenance of population.

2. Facetious. the measurements of a woman's figure, especially the bust, waist, and hips.

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vital statistics British  

plural noun

1. quantitative data concerning human life or the conditions and aspects affecting it, such as the death rate

2. informal the measurements of a woman's bust, waist, and hips

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Etymology

Origin of vital statistics

1830–40; 1940–45 vital statistics for def. 2

Example Sentences

And states employ a variety of mechanisms to verify voters’ identities against databases such as the Social Security Administration, state departments of motor vehicles, state bureaus of vital statistics or health departments, and the U.S.

From Slate • Nov. 4, 2024

For LaVelle, 65, the benefits of fencing off critical tortoise habitat surrounded by desert boomtowns, freeways and solar energy facilities were obvious as she ticked off the vital statistics of the young tortoise she discovered.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 17, 2022

Head of zoological operations, Matthew Webb, said it ensured vital statistics were accurate and up-to-date.

From BBC • Aug. 23, 2022

Four were approved, none since 2006, according to to the court system records and the state’s office of vital statistics.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 10, 2022

The California data included not only each baby’s vital statistics but information about the mother’s level of education, in come, and, most significantly, her own date of birth.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt